Orochimaru went so far as to bare his heart, hoping Jiraiya would suspend his investigation into Kara.
"To hear something so mushy coming from you really is an eye-opener. If you're that worried about me, how about you hurry up and deal with your troubles outside, then we can join forces?"
Jiraiya was deeply moved, but he declined the offer.
Orochimaru smiled without answering.
Jiraiya turned the tables and pressed him. "Is something making that difficult, my friend?"
Left with little choice, Orochimaru said, "I have my own rhythm and pace. To help Sasuke-kun grow into a more well-rounded person, it's necessary to give certain 'promising enemies' some room to develop..."
Jiraiya laughed. "You've finally said what you really think. That's right, you're cultivating enemies to serve your own ends. You let them grow stronger, then have Sasuke harvest them... so he can grow! Even if that disrupts the Shinobi World's existing order, you don't care!"
Orochimaru said, "That's right. That's how I do things. I won't defend or explain myself. Satisfied? Can you consider my suggestion now?"
Jiraiya said, "You have your methods, and I won't interfere with them. I have mine, so don't interfere with me either. Our destination is the same; only our paths differ. Let's change the future in our own ways!"
His words were firm and resolute, leaving no room for compromise.
Orochimaru shrugged helplessly. "All right. I understand."
Seeing the faintly forlorn look on Orochimaru's face, Jiraiya softened.
Ah... Orochimaru, if you'd shown even half this tenderness back when I was chasing after you, why would I ever have lost heart?
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing, and I know I still have a purpose to fulfill. That's why I value my life more than anyone. I won't act recklessly. I have a